Tehran/Tel Aviv/Beirut, 23 March (HS): Massive explosions were reported in Iran’s capital Tehran a short while ago, while the skies over Israel lit up with fast-moving missiles. In Lebanon, the Qasmiyeh bridge has been destroyed. There are no signs of de-escalation in the war between Israel, the United States and Iran that began on February 28. The conflict has deepened the global oil and gas crisis.

According to reports by Al Jazeera and The Times of Israel, the biggest attack since the start of the conflict took place in eastern Tehran, shaking parts of the capital. In view of the intensity of the attack, air defence systems were activated. Officials said the strikes were part of a coordinated US-Israel operation.

Before the strikes on Tehran, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had indicated that attacks on Iran were imminent. Reports also said extensive damage occurred after an airstrike in Khorramabad, Iran. Following missile and rocket attacks, the area witnessed a blackout and some buildings were reduced to rubble.

According to reports, Israel also targeted an important bridge in southern Lebanon. The Qasmiyeh bridge was destroyed in the attack, disrupting transport and humanitarian aid movement. Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun condemned the strike.

Israel claimed the bridge was being used by Hezbollah militants and said its destruction was necessary to prevent attacks by the group. The IDF said the strike on Tehran followed damage caused in central Israel by Iranian cluster missile attacks. No injuries were reported in the Iranian strikes.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar